The Shot is the name of the series-winning basket hit by Michael Jordan in Game 5 of the 1989 Eastern Conference First Round against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Coliseum at Richfield. It is considered to be one of Jordan’s greatest clutch moments, and in the game itself, a classic.
THE PLAY:
Jordan hit a jumper with 6 seconds left to give the Bulls a 99–98 lead. After Cleveland took time, Craig Ehlo inbounded the ball to Nance, who gave the ball back, and scored on a driving layup to give Cleveland a 100–99 lead with 3 seconds left. Chicago Bulls then called timeout. Jordan was double-teamed by Ehlo and Nance on the inbounds. Jordan bounced off of Ehlo and pushed Nance out of the way to get open and receive the inbounds pass from Brad Sellers. Jim Durham was calling the game on the Bulls’ Radio Network and narrated what happened next:
“The inbounds pass comes in to Jordan. Here’s Michael at the foul line, the shot on Ehlo…GOOD! THE BULLS WIN IT! THEY WIN IT! They upset the Cleveland Cavaliers! Michael Jordan hits it at the foul line! 101–100! 20,273 in stunned silence here in the Coliseum. Michael Jordan with 44 points in a game hit the shot over Craig Ehlo. What tremendous heroics we have had in Game 5. From both teams, what a spectacular series this has been. In my days in the NBA, 16 years, this is the greatest series I’ve ever seen!”
AthleticPoetics 